Toon Talk – A round-up of all the day’s NUFC news – 06/11/2017

A round up of all of today’s NUFC related news and gossip:

Rafa Benitez has spoken out about the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic after seeing the Serbian linked with a return to Anderlecht over the weekend, also explaining just why he chose not to bring on the striker in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth – read full story here.

It has now been revealed by the Shields Gazette that Mikel Merino is likely to be out for the whole of November – meaning he’d miss our next three league games and return for our trip to Chelsea on the 2nd of December – read full story here.

Also on the injury front, Benitez has confirmed that Jamaal Lascelles and Christian Atsu will both be assessed in the coming days after coming off with injuries in the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday – read full story here.

Matt Ritchie believes it is “harsh” to suggest we have not been clinical enough this season – however has admitted that we must become more ruthless in front of goal if we want to consistently win close encounters in the top flight – read full interview from him here.

According to reports in Turkey, Newcastle had scouts present in Besiktas’ 1-1 draw with Monaco in the Champions League last week, and despite being there to watch Cenk Tosun and Oguzhan Ozyakup, they were also left impressed by their team-mate, Tolgay Arslan – read full story here.

Some interesting news emerging surrounding former NUFC starHatem Ben Arfa, with widespread reports suggesting he is being lined up for a shock return to the Premier League with Leicester City in January – read full story here.